Product Description

Product Description

Import version of her 2002 album (inspired by the Claude Lelouch movie 'And Now...Ladies & Gentlemen') from the French star who updates the French chanson tradition with elements of pop, blues & jazz. The album was produced by Robin Millar who was responsible for George Michael's lush 'Older' album.

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While not a soundtrack per se, this suite of songs was inspired by Claude Lelouche's And Now...Ladies and Gentlemen (2001). In the film, French singing star Patricia Kaas portrays a nightclub chanteuse suffering from a brain tumor who falls for a similarly afflicted thief (played by Jeremy Irons.) Given the plotline, it¹s not surprising that the tunes are drawn primarily from the classic chanson tradition. But strangely, Kaas interprets most of them in the maudlin English translations once favored by the Rat Pack, Rod McKuen, and Bobby Darin. Even so, and despite her consistently over-cautious phrasing, the vocals are attractively languid and husky, inflected with a dead-pan world-weariness that Marlene Dietrich would have recognized. However, it would be pleasant to hear Kaas essay this repertoire in a more intimate, warm-toned setting. As it is, her voice is periodically overwhelmed by echo plus poorly calibrated electric bass and keyboard lines. --Christina Roden--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Most helpful customer reviews

Patricia Kaas is, by far, the greatest modern day singer. She has proven over and over her ability to conquer various styles of music, creating a sound which is not only unique, but eminently human. While "Tour de Charme" is my favorite of her albums, "Piano Bar", continues to keep my interest.As for the negative reviews, i can't understand why someone would buy a CD entitled "Piano Bar" and complain that there is no excitement and pazzaz. Do you have any comprehension what piano bar music is supposed to sound like? Mdmslle Kaas certainly shows she does, giving each of the remade songs on the album (and her own original one), a new, unique, SULTRY sound like only Patricia can.Let's identity the true reason Patricia is taking so much heat for this album--the fact that it's almost entirely in English. A previous reviewer flat out stated that Kaas should stick to French. Why should she, i ask? Most of the world speaks english; more people will be able to understand what she is singing about, including me (while i adore her other albums, not knowing what she is singing about is slightly annoying). In whatever language, her voice is magnificent.i hope Patricia continues to explore English albums, maybe coming out with a totally original set of songs next time. Tres bien!

I will preface this by saying that I have been and continue to be a huge fan of Kaas. In my view, she has been the first lady of French song for two decades. However, this CD is in my humble opinion a real disgrace. Kaas covers signature songs by Streisand, Sinatra and several by Shirley Bassey. There is nothing original or special about Kaas's versions. They pale in comparison to the ones of those other maga stars and one cannot help but compare and realize how inferior Kass's versions are. Most annoying is that she has butchered the great "La mer" and that she has two versions of "IF You Go Away", a Shirley Bassey classic, and the second version mimics the techno/disco beat of the very same version Bassey just released on her Remix album. She never stretches he vocal cords or show any signs of enthusiasm. Why does Kaas, with her superb voice, musicality and taste, need to resort to these gimics? The last song is great, but that's it. Patricia -- continue to be your own woman, and sing in French or German!

Mademoiselle ... has always seen herself in the grand tradition of French cabaret stretching back to the Belle Époque, while staking out new territory for herself. This outing is a more deliberate and concentrated effort in that tradition, as well as a return to her roots in clubs and late-night boîtes, and an essay in a much mellower sound that comes off as surprisingly fresh! She has come into her own enough as an artist to be able to record these universally recognized songs with confidence while acknowledging her indebtedness._Piano Bar_ is inspired by music in Patricia Kaas's much-publicized film debut _And Now ... Ladies and Gentlemen_, where she shares billing with Jeremy Irons, but while not an official soundtrack (as far as I can tell) it does show a couple of stills from the film. The songs are all by French writers, sung in English for the most part (but a couple are in French or both languages), and for some of them the original lyrics are in English. The original language of the song has no connection with the language chosen for the album: "My man" and "I wish you love" and "What now my love" sung in well-known English translations, while "La mer" with an equally popular English version is sung in French, and "The Windmills of your mind" here presented as "Les Moulins de mon cœur," etc. The only rarity is the sultry and alluring "Syracuse," along with the song composed for the film. _Piano Bar_ is decidedly low-key, but a much more daring album than might appear at first.Read more ›

This cd proves Patricia Kaas can sing anything! I originally bought this cd when it first came out, before hearing about And Now.... Ladies and Gentlemen. I will admit I was upset at first because there is barely any French in the CD. However, if you purchase this cd and feel this way, have no fear... You must listen to this cd a few times to get used to it.....and then you'll regret that you won't want to stop listening!! Kaas has a way with chansons. She has a beautiful voice and she has come a long way with her English. Originally in Tour de Charme, you could detect a very thick accent. Now her English voice is as beautiful as ever and her French songs are par with her previous releases. If this is your first Patricia Kaas purchase, I must stress the importance of buying all her cds. Even if you don't know French, you'll fall in love with her! Formidable, Patricia Kaas!!

With the release of the DVD - AND NOW...LADIES & GENTLEMEN - many of us scanned the stores for a soundtrack, so imposing and impressive were the songs by costar Patricia Kaas. Finding no soundtrack, this CD entitled PIANO BAR is in essence the music from that enjoyable film. Minus the Michel Legrand music, here we have the songs that Kaas seems to own at present. Her voice is beautifully adept at defining the emotions of these lovely old ballads. She indeed understands the role of the chanteuse, and until another recording comes out with perhaps better studio techniques, then this collection is a more than adequate souvenir of a thoughtful lady's powers of communication. For those unfamiliar with this singer this is a fine introduction to her talent!